By Cara Beth Smith
This morning as I ran errands in Elizabethtown, it made me happy to see people carrying heart shaped balloons, gift bags, boxes of sweets from Burney’s, and wearing all shades of pink and red. Today is a day of love and happiness in many different forms for many different people.
Also, let me help you out! This is your official reminder to do something special for the people you love. Buy their favorite candy, take them out to dinner, bring flowers… There are many options. Luckily, we have plenty of places to grab these last minute things and celebrate Valentine’s Day right here in Bladen County.
If you are looking to get some flowers, try visiting Whimsical Florist in Elizabethtown or Leta Belle Designs in Bladenboro. Both of these florists offer delivery services, too! If you are searching for a special gift for the lady in your life, there are so many great boutiques and shops around the Mother County: Bella Bee’s and Market on Main in Bladenboro, Traxx Chic Vintiques and Casual Camel in Clarkton, and in Elizabethtown there’s Smellie Bloomer’s, Yia’ Yia’s, Toddler’s and Teen’s, Barefoot Boujee Boutique, Fisher’s, Sweet as Hunny, Sassy Chick Boutique, and more! For the men in your life, check out Fisher’s or Leinwand’s in Elizabethtown, Allen Brother’s Candy Store in Bladenboro, or Houston’s Peanuts in Dublin. And don’t forget Bladen Builder’s Supply, Smith Southern Style, and various hardware stores around the county!
If you are trying to think of a place for dinner, we have some ideas for that, too! Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery is a great option in Elizabethtown, as well as Giorgio’s, San Jose, and others. And don’t forget that heart-shaped pizzas are available at Pizza Hut – which is a Valentine’s Day tradition for my husband and myself. If you are in Dublin, you can check out Gerald’s Smokehouse. In Bladenboro, there’s El Torito and Pizza Palace, among others. Plus, the Log Cabin is a local favorite in Tar Heel.
Speaking of dinner plans, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy a dinner in the comfort of your home, check out this article from last week: https://bladenonline.com/love-is-in-the-air-series-at-home-dinner-recipes-for-two/
Be sure to check social media for Valentine’s day deals and specials in and around the county!
Just for fun, here are some “fun facts” about Valentine’s Day! (goodhousekeeping.com)
• The first Valentine was sent in the 15th Century, however, we did not get the first mass-produced Valentines until the 1840s.
• Nearly 250 million roses are grown in preparation for Valentine’s Day each year.
• Americans send 145 million Valentine cards each year.
• Nearly six million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day.
• More than eight billion conversation hearts are manufactured annually.
We hope you use today as an opportunity to support our many wonderful local businesses here in Bladen. Happy Valentine’s Day from the BladenOnline team!
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